JACKSON – While Millsaps College players were finishing up practice Tuesday afternoon running gassers on their home stadium turf, members of the New Orleans Saints came trudging down the hill from the Majors’ upper practice fields, following a 90-minute practice.

Two vastly different teams sharing the same small college space. And while the Saints play in the NFL and are paid, often handsomely, the Millsaps players are here for free. Being an NCAA Division III member means no athletic scholarships.

Despite the disparity, the Majors are appreciative of their guests, especially three former Vicksburg High Gators.

&#8220I think it’s a big advantage for us. It’s bringing exposure to Millsaps College everyday,” said Millsaps defensive end Casey Younger, a junior. &#8220It’s helping us attract some real talent to our team.”

Marcus Harris, a sophomore defensive back, agrees.

&#8220It’s more exposure to the school. The media. The fans who come in to see the Saints. Our practice facilities and our stadium are shown on TV every night,” Harris said.

And when the Saints leave in 10 days, the Majors will be left with NFL quality practice fields and an NFL size locker room.

&#8220Everything here is now top-notch. We can easily compare our facilities to those in Division I,” Younger said. &#8220From the practice fields to that really nice fieldhouse with the big lockers.”

The only thing the ex-Gators have not enjoyed on an NFL level is the campus food.

&#8220Nah, we get the leftovers. They are on a different kind of diet than we are,” Younger said. &#8220The Saints get anything they want. They dine big up there.”

The Majors also get to converse with the Saints as fellow football players.

&#8220We’ve been able to watch a few of their practices,” sophomore defensive end Marcus Stokes said. &#8220I’ve been able to meet a couple of the players individually like Charles Grant, Dont